Can You Be Allergic To The Sun?
It’s rare, but it IS possible to have what appears to be an allergic response to sunlight, but it’s not a true allergy. In true allergies, the body is reacting to a foreign substance. In sun allergies, the body is reacting to the natural changes in the skin brought about by exposure to the sun. We don’t know why, but in some sensitive people the immune system erroneously recognizes a component of sun-altered skin as a foreign object and initiates its defenses against it. This manifests as a rash, tiny blisters or, in its extreme form, a type of skin eruption.
There are a lot of unknowns about so-called sun allergies. It is unknown why the body reacts the way it does. It is unknown why it happens to some people, but not the vast majority. There is evidence that sun allergies may be inherited.
What You Should Know About Sun Allergies
Not only vampires are allergic to the sun. Although we don’t often hear cases of sun allergies in the country, this type of allergy is actually common. In most cases, people who have mild sun allergies do not even realize that they have this type of allergies. In most cases, people who have a mild case of this type of allergy would think that they are suffering from sunburns after spending a short period of time under the sun.
Types of sun allergies
There are 4 common types of Sun allergies or Sun intolerance
1. Polymorphous light eruption (PMLE)
2. Actinic prurigo
3. Solar urtivaria
4. Photoallergic eruption.
Sun Allergy Symptoms
RELAX!!!!!!!!!!! Though there are some people who are really allergic to sun but being allergic to sun rays is a bit different in compare to the typical idea of allergies that we are having in our mind.Unlike the most popular allergens like pollen, food etc that actually make your immune system function in a strange manner resulting in an allergic reaction; sun can’t be accused to cause an allergic reaction directly but the reaction is actually caused by the individual’s inherent hypersensitivity to the sun.
TREATMENT
More annoying than the rash, itching is the biggest complaint associated with PMLE. The use of oral antihistamines, such as Benadryl or Atarax, are commonly used. Treatment of the rash with a topical steroid cream, often prescription strength is required as well. Anti-itch preparations such as Sarnol-HC 1%, PrameGel and Aveeno Oatmeal Anti-itch Concentrated Lotion and Oatmeal Baths are common OTC options for helping soothe the discomfort. The use of 1% hydrocortisone cream, such as Cortaid, is another
nonprescription option.
SUN PROTECTION
Sun protection is very important, particularly for those who have chronic PMLE. Using a sunblock with both UVA and UVB blockers with a high SPF is a good start. Total Block Clear SPF 65 and Total Block Cover-Up/Make-Up SPF 60 are great products which completely block both UVA, UVB, as well as infrared and visible light rays. Also, consider wearing a California North SPF 30 Jacket where the jacket material has been specially treated to block out the ultraviolet light.